The Australian government has announced that Twitch, a major global live-streaming platform, will be added to the list of social media services that will be subject to the country’s under-16 age restriction policy. The decision underscores Australia’s commitment to strengthening online safety for minors.
Twitch Added To Australia’s Social Media Ban
Starting December 10, Twitch will block the signups from those under 16 and will start deactivating the accounts of current users who aren’t old enough. pic.twitter.com/7eQdCKKo7u
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) November 22, 2025
The legislative update, which comes as part of Australia’s broader efforts to regulate and protect young people in the digital space, will take effect alongside the nation’s existing social media age-verification framework. Platforms added to the “child-safe” category will be required to implement robust age-screening measures to ensure users under 16 cannot open new accounts.
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Under the scheme, streaming platforms like Twitch will need to adopt secure mechanisms to verify user age. Potential verification strategies include government-issued identification, biometric solutions such as facial recognition, and age inference techniques that analyse patterns of online behaviour, activity, and interaction rather than relying exclusively on self-reported data.
Australia’s Minister for Communications welcomed the move, saying:
“Including Twitch in the under-16 social media ban is an important step in safeguarding our young people as they engage with digital platforms. Live-streaming services have become a key part of youth culture, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that access is matched by protection.”
Twitch has acknowledged the announcement, stating it is reviewing the regulatory requirements and will work with the government to comply with the new age-verification rules.
As part of the rollout, the government has committed to providing guidance and support to major platforms, helping them implement the required verification systems and maintain user privacy. Regulators will monitor compliance and enforce penalties for non-compliance.
This decision aligns with Australia’s broader strategy to make the internet safer for children, ensuring a digital environment that balances innovation with protection.
